Accounting Services in Auckland

May 3, 2022

Source: Press Release Service

Accountrix is a team of dedicated and highly professional Chartered Accountants providing different Accounting Services in Auckland, New Zealand, to SMEs to large enterprises. Since its inception, its aim is, helping businesses manage finances or accounts with maximum accuracy so the team can work more on business growth.

In today’s cut-throat market competition, businesses are working on their toes tirelessly to outperform to be successful. While handling the business, keeping up with the accounts is a task, and therefore, finding a reliable Accountant in Auckland is significant. Working alongside the clients, we do not just manage their accounts but keep them up-to-date with their companies’ financial progress, expenditures they need to cut and the latest accounting norms. This way, clients can manage their expenses and overall finances more efficiently.
Our Accounting Services In Auckland are not limited to one or two but include the following:

• General Accounting Services: We keep daily transaction records of your business.
• Financial Statements: We organize financial statements with maximum accuracy to help you make your future financial plans accordingly.
• Bookkeeping Services: We keep your account books up to the mark with our professional bookkeeping services.
• Income Tax Return: We also help clients with their income tax filing and returns related queries.
• GST Return: We help with GST filing and GST return with minimum complications possible.

Our focus is to eliminate as much stress or hurdle as possible from the process and keep clients satisfied to the fullest with our professional guidance and assistance. Anyone looking for Accounting or GST Return Services in Auckland can count on the company.

Accountrix is not a new name but a well-established entity appreciated in the domain for offering a wide range of accounting services to different industries. The company provides a vast array of services, including, Accounting, Payroll, Bookkeeping, Income Tax Return, GST Return and more.

If you do not understand the accounting language well, you can count on our expertise and professional guidance. You can book an online appointment for further consultation.

Media Release 3 May 2022.

MIL OSI

Retreat Caravans Launches in New Zealand

Live News

April 21, 2022

Source: Press Release Service

Australia’s premier caravan manufacturer is bringing its innovation and love for the outdoors to the land of the long white cloud.

After 16 years of conquering the Australian outdoors, Retreat Caravans has set its sights on New Zealand. Australia’s favourite caravan manufacturer will be making a big debut with the Retreat Aotea, a stylish caravan specially created to suit the New Zealand outdoors.

The Retreat Aotea is a classy caravan with a rich interior that is made with only top-quality materials. In addition to the generous storage space and cleverly designed layouts, there is sense of elegance in the Retreat Flatstick Furniture, premium tap wares and an amazing colour range. The interior is also packed with essentials such as air conditioner, microwave oven, mini grill, as well as TV provisions like an external TV point, 24” TV arm, and antenna. Needless to say, everything outfitted in the caravan has been handpicked to ensure its occupants are fully comfortable on their travels.

The Retreat Aotea comes complete with a Retreat Caravans Industry Leading RXP Wall Construction that effectively regulates temperature. This means that the cabin will stay warm in winter and cool in summer. The RXP Wall Construction technology also ensures that the roof and walls of the cabin are free of rot. The Retreat Aotea is built with safety and reliability in mind and is sure to last for many years to come.

Retreat Caravans is a family-owned and operated business that specialises in building sturdy, comfortable and safe caravans. The company started 16 years ago with the goal of helping lovers of the outdoors realise their dreams in comfort. Since then, it has gone on to sell over 5,000 caravans and this number is still growing by the day.

Retreat Caravans is serious about its commitment to build and design reliable caravans of the highest quality. Every caravan that comes out of its factory undergoes rigorous testing and inspection before it is sold to the public. They also place emphasis on innovation and design that allows them to offer a flexible lifestyle experience unique to each and every customer. Furthermore, Retreat Caravans welcome suggestions and feedback from customers that can help them improve the convenience of their caravans including their value, lifespan and functionality.

Customer care is given the utmost attention at Retreat Caravans. Through its Complete Caravan Care department, all their customer’s concerns whether it is a general enquiry, warranty or a repair is addressed. This department also provides customers with long-term care of their caravans. Check out the full list of specs here.

In addition, Retreat Caravans is passionate about giving back to the community. They have helped its community raise money for charities through the rallies that they hold around the country. These rallies are typically attended by tens of thousands of people every year who are looking to make new friends and share their travelling experiences.
The pride in their innovations, creations and loyal following is what puts Retreat Caravans heads and shoulders above the rest when it comes to caravan-manufacturing in Australia.

Retreat Caravans has partnered with Inside Out RV in New Zealand as they too are inspired by a love of adventure and are also a family run business. Inside Out RV can help make your New Zealand adventures the best they can be with the new Retreat Aotea.

Media Release 21 April 2022

MIL OSI

Free inspection sheets offer parents another way to discus tooth health with their children

Live News

April 8, 2022

Source: Press Release Service – Auckland

Official looking Tooth Fairy inspection sheets available online offer parents another way to discus tooth health with their children. For parents who discus the Tooth Fairy with their children the Webpage complete with breaking news video.

For parents who discus the Tooth Fairy with their children the web page is complete with a breaking news video and forms to show the children.

The forms were created by Daniel of Custom Branded and are available for download absolutely free, when approached for comment Daniel said “The Department reached out to us to help with the form, originally we thought it was a joke as we don’t advertise design services, but here we are”.

Daniel has used the form with his son when he lost his first tooth, though he had already heard about payment being dictated by tooth quality by his aunt “He was beyond happy to have received a small bonus for it being his first tooth” which the fairy had noted on the form.

www.nztoothfairy.com is live now.

Media Release on 8 April 2022

Media Contact
Daniel Sharp, Custom Branded
Email: media@custombranded.co.nz
Phone: 09 358 1249
Website: https://www.nztoothfairy.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_OfxfIJLH0

MIL OSI

2022 Tauranga Home Show Rescheduled for October

Live News

April 7, 2022

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

“Postponing a show is not something we take lightly,” says Dana McCurdy, General Manager of Bay Events. “Without any clarity from the government and a clear path out of the red traffic light setting, putting on an exhibition in early May is no longer viable.”

The Tauranga Home Show had been scheduled to run from the 6th through to the 8th of May with exhibits spread across both halls of Trustpower Arena Baypark as well as outdoor displays, food trucks and live cooking shows.

“An event of this scope requires huge forward investment,” says Dana McCurdy, General Manager of Bay Events. “There is a financial risk both on our part as organisers and for our exhibitors and suppliers. We can’t expect other businesses to take on the burden of that risk in good faith, especially as many of them are currently struggling with the impact of global supply chain issues , high employee absenteeism dur to isolation periods, a tight labor market and increases in transport costs.”

Dana anticipates that the postponement will allow time for the Covid-19 peak to pass and for the events industry to return to normal.

“We’ve had so much encouraging feedback from our exhibitors who want the show to go ahead,” says Dana. “It is unfortunate because the show runs like its own self-contained shopping mall – and malls remain open – but as an exhibition we’re in the same category as close-contact crowd events like concerts.”

2022 marks the 23rd annual Tauranga Home Show, and the exhibition continues to expand in size and attendee numbers every year. The event is organised by Bay Events Ltd, a local family-run business that was established in 1995 and have run over 60 exhibitions.

“We see first-hand the contribution our shows make to the local economy because we live here too,” says Dana. “We encourage everybody to continue to support local businesses, and we look forward to bringing them back to meet you face-to-face at our October exhibition.”

The new dates for the Tauranga Home Show are the 28th, 29th and 30th of October 2022 at Trustpower Arena Baypark.

Media Release 7 April 2022.

MIL OSI

Frequency Changes for Rhema and Star in the Bay of Plenty

Live News

April 6, 2022

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Radio frequencies for Star and Rhema AM will be changing on Wednesday 6 April 2022. Star will be available on 540AM, and Rhema will be available on 104.6FM.

Star listeners will now have uninterrupted access to the station. For over 24 years, Star in the Bay of Plenty has shared the Parliament radio frequency, meaning Star goes off air and switches over to live broadcast from Parliament whenever it is sitting.

Rhema Media’s Head of Marketing and Development, Chris Price, says many Star listeners value the constant companionship throughout the day:

“Star listeners will even leave it on in the house when they are out so that their home and pets have the constant peaceful presence… When the broadcast changes over to Parliament it is a jarring change in the atmosphere in the home, so this change to 540AM will mean that the serenity and companionship they receive from Star will be continuous without any unwanted intrusion from Parliament or transmission drop outs”.

David and Wendy Hennessey of Tauranga have been listening to Star for more than a decade:

“We’re excited, we heard about the possibility a while ago and we’re looking forward to Star being available 24/7 and without transmission issues. We thoroughly enjoy Star as a station—the banter, the speakers, and the music”.

Rhema listeners will also benefit from the changes. The shift from AM to FM will sound better—in stereo with greater fidelity—meaning sharper, clearer audio.

The change is the result of a repositioning of Rhema FM’s transmission site, says Chris Price:

“This has resulted in it having much better coverage, almost on par with the AM frequency in the Bay of Plenty. As a result the opportunity arose to make Rhema available on FM only.”

Rhema Media, which owns both Star and Rhema, is pleased to introduce these changes, says Chris Price, “to improve listening experience at no cost to Rhema or Star listeners, all they need to do is switch their frequency on Wednesday 6 April”.

Star listeners move to 540AM for round-the-clock access to the station. Rhema will be broadcast exclusively on 104.6FM for Bay of Plenty listeners to enjoy greater sound quality.

Any listeners who want help with navigating the changes can phone 0508 000 717 or email admin@rhemamedia.co.nz

Media Release 6 April 2022.

MIL OSI

Agilis GM on New Zealand’s Animal Health Market

Live News

April 6, 2022

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

Experienced Technical Veterinarian Ann Wilkinson, steps into the role of GM at Agilis, a key player in New Zealand’s animal health sector. A pivotal move for this innovative company, the new role builds on the strengths of the team and focuses on the delivery of product solutions for vets, clients, and the animals under their care.

Wilkinson, who joined the company last year as Technical Veterinarian, is excited by the tremendous opportunity it presents, “The timing is right. The level of investment in R&D in the animal health sector in New Zealand has been declining while the needs continue to grow. Producing safe and quality food requires attention to detail and a focus on prevention and wellbeing, while simultaneously reducing the usage of antibiotics and controlling the emergence of parasiticide resistance.”

“Agilis is well positioned to identify the unique challenges associated with New Zealand’s pastural -based animal agricultural systems, and it has a strong network of partners to research and develop solutions. Our small scale and narrow focus on local issues means we can act decisively and responsively – with agility – to bring solutions to market quickly, while not compromising on quality.”

A Massey Vet graduate, Wilkinson returned to New Zealand in 2016 after 18 years in the United States and five years in Australia, including two years teaching ambulatory medicine at Cornell and 18 years at Pfizer/Zoetis. With an extensive background encompassing strategic account management, identifying new technologies and partnership development, she is well placed to develop Agilis’ growing presence in New Zealand’s animal health sector.

“It’s a really good chance to leverage my full range of skills and experience. I’m looking forward to doing a little bit of everything. It’s really exciting and I’m confident we can make a real difference to the New Zealand animal health sector.”

Media Release 6 April 2022.

MIL OSI

Business – Air New Zealand launches recapitalisation package to refuel for its recovery

Live News

March 30, 2022

Source: Air New Zealand

After two long years of turbulence and with border restrictions now starting to ease, Air New Zealand is today launching a comprehensive recapitalisation package to repay its existing Crown loan, strengthen its balance sheet, improve liquidity and help position the airline for recovery.

The $2.2 billion recapitalisation package is made up of three parts:

a $1.2 billion pro rata renounceable Rights Offer, allowing eligible shareholders an opportunity to buy additional shares in Air New Zealand at a discount to the prevailing share price. The Crown has committed to supporting the Rights Offer and will participate in the Rights Offer to retain a 51% shareholding in Air New Zealand. The Rights Offer is underwritten, other than in respect of the Crown participation;
a $600 million issuance of redeemable shares to our majority shareholder, the Crown, of which approximately $400 million we intend to refinance through an approximately $600 million debt capital markets issuance that will be undertaken by 30 June this year, subject to market conditions; and

a new $400 million Crown loan to replace the existing Crown loan facility, which is available to the airline through to January 2026.

Air New Zealand Chair Dame Therese Walsh says, “While there will still be bumpy skies ahead over the next few years, the moment is right for Air New Zealand to raise equity, recapitalise its balance sheet and repay the loan it received from the Crown during the Covid crisis. This is an important step in refuelling for our recovery.

“When Covid struck in early 2020 we took decisive action. Routes were closed, planes parked, and the number of Air New Zealand employees was reduced by almost a third. Almost overnight, passenger numbers halved, and flight demand dropped 95 per cent.

“With New Zealand’s support, and Crown loan funding, we were able to keep the country connected. While many airlines were grounded, we’ve flown every day, bringing in vital supplies, flying Kiwis home and keeping New Zealand exports moving around the world.”

“Covid isn’t behind us yet. There will still be significant challenges and uncertainties to face, and it will take time to recover, but Air New Zealand is committed to rebuilding a stronger, more nimble airline that delivers for all New Zealanders”, said Dame Therese.

Commenting on the recapitalisation package Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said, “This is an important next step, as we are preparing to return to key international destinations, welcome international visitors back to New Zealand and launch a new service to New York.

“The last two years haven’t been easy for our shareholders with the suspension of our dividend payments since 2020 and the decrease in equity reserves. Our shareholders have been top of mind as we took action to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic while positioning the airline to survive, then revive and finally thrive in the years to come.

“We’re now focused on growing our domestic network, optimising our international routes and streamlining our fleet to more efficient and sustainable aircraft. And we’re developing more benefits and value for our millions of Airpoints members.

“Our Kia Mau strategy sets a clear flight path for the coming years and while there will always be significant risks for the airline, importantly, our recapitalisation plan will help position us to thrive again”, said Mr Foran.

The Rights Offer

As part of the recapitalisation, Air New Zealand is raising $1.2 billion through a pro rata renounceable Rights Offer. This will enable eligible shareholders to purchase up to 2 new shares for every 1 share they own in Air New Zealand at an offer price of NZ$0.53 per share. Those shareholders who take up their full entitlement will also be able to apply for additional shares in the shortfall bookbuild process. Shareholders who choose not to participate have the option of selling some or all of their rights on the NZX or, if they do nothing, they may receive some value through the shortfall bookbuild process, if the price determined in the shortfall bookbuild process exceeds the offer price.

The Rights Offer will open from Wednesday, 6 April 2022 and close on Monday, 2 May 2022, and is open to eligible Air New Zealand shareholders on the airline’s share register as at 7:00pm NZT on the Record Date of Tuesday, 5 April 2022 who are located in New Zealand and Australia and a limited number of other jurisdictions.

More information about the Rights Offer, including on the eligibility criteria and how to participate, is set out in the Air New Zealand Offer Document, which should be read together with the Investor Presentation, available at: https://airnz.rightsoffer.co.nz. These documents contain important information about Air New Zealand and risks associated with an investment in Air New Zealand. Shareholders should ensure their contact information is up to date, and importantly, seek independent financial advice where required.

Important information

This communication is not for distribution or release in the United States. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The securities referred to in this communication have not been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (US Securities Act), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the United States or to any person acting for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, registration under the US Securities Act and applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States.

Notes

Explainer 1: participating in the Air New Zealand Rights Offer

Air New Zealand is offering eligible shareholders in certain jurisdictions the opportunity to buy additional shares in Air New Zealand at a discount to the prevailing share price. This Offer is open to all eligible Air New Zealand shareholders at the same time. By taking up their rights in full, eligible shareholders will maintain their same level of shareholding.

If an eligible shareholder decides not to take up their rights in full, their original shareholding will be diluted. However, eligible shareholders will have the opportunity to sell their rights on the NZX during a rights trading period.

Shareholders who do not take up or trade their rights may have the opportunity to receive some value depending on the outcome of a sale of the shares attributable to their rights at the end of the Rights Offer. Shareholders who take up their rights in full can also apply for additional shares.

Those who do not currently hold shares in Air New Zealand and meet certain eligibility criteria may be eligible to buy renounced rights and should speak to an NZX market participant. Rights purchased on the NZX may only be exercised by purchasers that meet eligibility requirements, which will be set out in the Offer Document. In particular, rights may not be exercised by purchasers that are in the United States.

Eligible Air New Zealand shareholders are encouraged to visit the Air New Zealand Rights Offer website to learn more about the Rights Offer, including how to participate: https://airnz.rightsoffer.co.nz. These documents contain important information about Air New Zealand and risks associated with an investment in Air New Zealand.

Explainer note 2: Rights Offer likely to trigger an AIR share price reset event

Air New Zealand’s share price is expected to reset in response to the company’s Rights Offer. While the Air New Zealand Board and management do not provide commentary on the AIR share price, they do wish to note the following contributing factors in relation to its Rights Offer.

Under the Rights Offer up to approximately 2,245,620,088 fully paid ordinary new shares will be issued at a ratio of 2 for 1, representing approximately 200% of existing Air New Zealand shares on issue and which will have a material dilutionary effect on shareholders’ future potential earnings per share.
The fully paid ordinary shares are being offered at $0.53 per share, representing:
- a 61.5% discount to the last traded price on NZX of $1.375 on Wednesday, 30 March 2022; and
- a 34.7% discount to the Theoretical Ex-Rights Price (TERP) of $0.81. TERP is the theoretical price at which an Air New Zealand share will trade immediately after the ex-date for the Rights Offer. It is a theoretical calculation only and the price at which Air New Zealand shares will trade will depend on many factors and may differ from TERP.
On 24 February 2022, together with the company’s Interim results for the six-month period ended 31 December 2021, Air New Zealand provided guidance for the full financial year ending 30 June 2022 of an expected loss in excess of $800 million before taxation and other significant items. Air New Zealand now expects its FY22 full year result to be a loss before other significant items and taxation of less than $800 million.
Lastly, while capital markets have held up reasonably well in response to ongoing macro-economic and geopolitical events, market volatility remains high, and uncertainty remains a prevailing theme for many investors in the current climate.

Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.

Pyro Fires to Offset 100% of the CO2 Emitted by Their Ultra Low Emission Wood Burners

Live News

March 30, 2022

Source: Press Release Service – Auckland

In a first for the wood heating industry, Kiwis and Aussies will be able to heat their homes with a zero-carbon footprint. New Zealand manufacturer, Pyro Fires, will offset 100% of the carbon emissions that each of their eco-friendly wood burning fireplaces will emit during its lifetime.

Pyro Fires has teamed up with One Tree Planted to plant 23 native trees for every Pyro sold. According to the Tāne’s Tree Trust National Carbon Calculator, this will remove up to 10 tonnes of CO2 from the environment.

Ric Chalmers, Pyro Fires’ Managing Director, says planting just a single tree can offset more than an entire year’s worth of carbon emissions produced by a Pyro Classic or Pyro Mini ULEB wood burner.

“We want Kiwis and Aussies to be able to enjoy all the benefits of a log burner without risking any harm to the environment. As such, it was an easy decision for us to plant enough trees to completely offset the amount of CO2 each Pyro will emit during its lifetime” says Chalmers.

Each donation to One Tree Planted is made by Pyro Fires on behalf of the customer. Customers can choose to have the trees planted in their name for which they will receive an e-certificate from One Tree Planted thanking them for their donation.

Native tree planting will happen across both New Zealand and Australia, dependent on the customer’s country of residence.

About Pyro Fires
The Pyro Classic was developed by scientists at the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research. The New Zealand Government tasked them with creating the most efficient and environmentally conscious home heating solution.

Pyro Fires are available in over 100 different colour options, allowing you to go green in any colour you like.

As part of the Toitu CarboNZero programme, Pyro Fires Ltd reduced their carbon footprint by more than half.

Pyro Fires Ltd has donated to One Tree Planted to plant thousands of native trees to completely offset their operational carbon footprint for the entirety of 2022.

Media Release on 30 March 2022

Media Contact
Lance Krogseter, Pyro Fires
Email: lance@fegroup.co.nz
Phone: 0800 479 763
Website: https://pyrofires.co.nz

MIL OSI

‘Cut the Red Tape’ – Sole Trader Survey Response

Live News

March 14, 2022

Source: Press Release Service – New Zealand

New Zealand’s independent sentiment index for sole traders has revealed improved financial performance for sole traders over the past six months, despite a decline in overall economic conditions, with sole traders urging for greater ‘ease of doing business’ over additional government support or funding.

The Hnry Sole Trader Pulse aims to provide a regular index for independent earners, who make up 19.7 percent of New Zealand’s working population, including freelancers, contractors, consultants, sole traders and the self-employed.

The March report shows a decline in economic conditions from the effects of Omicron and increased living costs over the last quarter, with a 20% decrease in sole traders describing the health of the economy as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ and urging for an ease of restrictions and unnecessary red tape for businesses.

Sentiments from sole traders sharing their frustrations included:
“Ease restrictions so that tourism can resume.” (Hospitality, West Coast).
“Just cut the red tape. What used to be 20-pages for a building consent is now over 100-pages!” (Architect, Taranaki).
“Reduce taxes. Petrol is expensive. Wages are expensive. Vehicles are expensive.” (Carpenter, Waikato).

Despite this, 31% described the last quarter as financially ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Tradies reported the highest improvement in financial performance, with 51% rating business currently to be ‘good’ or ‘very good’, an increase from six months ago. Sole traders continue to experience high levels of satisfaction in running their own business, with 55% describing their level of personal satisfaction in running their business as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, up from 49% six months ago.

The independent poll, commissioned by Hnry and undertaken by Resolve Strategic Between 28 Feb and 6 March, interviewed 500 sole traders. There are over 540,000 sole traders in New Zealand, over 35% of whom have more than one job.

The findings from the Hnry Sole Trader Pulse Report showed:

Sole Traders are more concerned about current economic conditions compared with 6 months ago, with the number of sole traders that believe the health of the economy right now is either ‘good ‘ or ‘very good’ having been reduced by over 20%.
Sole Traders are urging the Government to increase the ease of doing business, rather than offering additional support or extra funding.
Sole Traders are seeing a higher level of personal satisfaction than 6 months ago, with over 55% reporting ‘good’ or ‘very good’ levels, reflecting the confidence in the growing self-employed economy in NZ, despite the economic conditions.
Those Sole Traders using traditional accountants solely, or alongside small enterprise accounting software, are spending on average $11,000 per year on tax and financial administration – which is over 7 times more expensive than a more modern alternative.
Sole Traders are spending almost one working day per week (over 5 hours) on managing their tax and financial admin using those systems and services, resulting in an approximate $3.2 billion in lost productivity for NZ sole traders every year.

James Fuller, Co-founder and CEO of Hnry, says while the data shows the economic impact has had a significant impact on sole traders, the sector remains strong.

“Every year it is estimated that over 5 million people worldwide join the self-employed sector, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. Hnry has experienced 500% growth collectively across New Zealand and Australia over the past 18 months, and is proud to be supporting New Zealanders to not only earn independently, but also make this sector more widely understood.”

Fuller says the $3.2 billion lost in productivity for NZ sole traders every year could be significantly reduced through further understanding of this unique and growing sector, as well as wider adoption of more modern, efficient and cost-effective solutions.
“Traditionally the financial services industry has been focused on small enterprises and larger organisations, and hasn’t catered for the needs of the self-employed at all, and we can see that with the unnecessary amount of time and money being spent by some sole traders when it comes to their financial admin” Fuller says.
“Independent earners are renowned for having the skill set to overcome challenges and interestingly, the pandemic and wavering economic conditions has not dimmed the motivations for individuals to pursue earning income independently over salaried work. This highlights the freedom, work-life balance, and opportunities that working independently provides, and underpins the need for modern, digital accountancy services like Hnry.”

Media Release 14 March 2022.

MIL OSI

How to Safely Disinfect your Computers

Live News

March 11, 2022

Source: Press Release Service

We spend a lot of time making our homes and ourselves clean, but what about our computers and laptops etc? We use with phones, computers, and laptops very regularly, and they can be a haven for bacteria and viruses. In the current climate, we all understand it’s important to make sure everything is clean – make sure you don’t miss these devices when doing your cleaning checklist! But unlike your bench or stove, laptops, MacBooks, iPhones, and computers in general are sensitive to liquids – so how do we keep them clean?
Why is it important to clean your computer or phone?
Pause a moment and think about just how much time and touch you have with your devices each day. We regularly hold our phones, put them up against our faces, type on our laptop or desktop keyboards, and swipe fingers on tablets. Everyone is different, of course, but one study estimates that we touch our phone about 2,617 times per day!
So how frequently should we be cleaning our computer? It depends on how much you use them, but once a day will probably be enough. But if you have concerns, you may do it more often. At Computer Help NZ, we physically clean your laptop, desktop or tablet when it comes in for repair and then again after the technician has completed the repair.
Before we get into the HOW-TO of cleaning your computing devices, it’s worth reminding you how important it is to wash your hands. You can clean your computer or phone 100 times a day, but if your hands aren’t, it won’t help.
How to disinfect your computer without damaging them
What chemicals can you use on your computer or phone?
Disclaimer: Before cleaning your phone, laptop, or keyboard and mouse, it is essential to check with your specific manufacturer for cleaning instructions. We’ve done our best to give you good general information but your computer or phone etc may be different so check with the manufacturer.
Many modern devices, such as iPhones, have what is called an oleophobic coating on the glass surfaces. This is designed to help keep fingerprints and oils from your skin from smearing on your device. Some cleaners, such as Spray ’N wipe or bleach, may degrade that coating.
However, several manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, have made changes to their cleaning instructions. Apple now says it’s okay to use 70% isopropyl alcohol solution or (bleach-free) Disinfecting wipes. Samsung has approved 70% isopropyl or ethanol solutions as well as other disinfectants, like bleach acid-based solutions.
Disinfecting your smartphone and tablet
Turn the phone off. Not just asleep, but actually off. It’s vitally important to shut off your phone or tablet before cleaning it! Electricity and liquids are not a good combo! Make sure you also unplug it from its charger. It’s also important you should work hard not to get any liquid inside any opening on your laptop or computer, but if you do with the power off it will be protected short-circuiting. If you have a protective cover, take it off and clean it separately, so you can get in nooks and crannies.
Use a microfiber cloth. These things are amazing! Both gentle and also “abrasive”. When looking a cloth to wipe your computer down, you want to use lint-free, non-abrasive materials that won’t scratch surfaces or leave stuff behind. Microfiber cloths, have very small fibres that have the benefits of an abrasive surface but without the scratching! Paper towels and tissues should be avoided.
Avoid applying directly. When using a solution like a 70% isopropyl, don’t put it directly to your computer, laptop, phone or desktop. Instead, spray a small amount onto your microfibre cloth and use that to wipe it. If you are using a bottle, make sure not to put too much on the cloth.
Be gentle. Remember, your phone (and laptop too!) is delicate! It’s a complex machine of technology and doesn’t usually respond well to rough treatment (I don’t even like it when my kids throw their laptop a metre onto their bed!). So don’t apply too much pressure. Gently wiping with your cloth and cleaning solution is more than enough. If you push too hard on the screen, it can be damaged.
Avoid openings. We touched on this before, but it’s vital to avoid getting any of your cleaning liquid inside the small cracks and openings of your device. For phones, it’s frequently the charging port. For laptops and desktop computers, it’s the USB ports and other ports. Pay especial attention not to get liquid in the USB ports on your laptop or desktop because USB is not a passive connector but carries a voltage and can really mess up your computer if you get a short circuit.
Let it dry. After you’ve cleaned your computer (did you know your phone is a tiny computer? A computer much more power than the one they used to land on the moon. 100,000 times more powerful, approximately), make sure to allow it plenty of time to air dry before turning it back on. If you’ve removed a case or protective cover and cleaned it separately, give it a few minutes to dry before putting it back together.
Disinfecting your laptop, keyboard, and mouse
Power down. Just like cleaning your phones, before cleaning your laptop, shut off its power and unplug the power supply. If you can, look at the bottom of the laptop and see if there is a quick release leave to remove the battery as well. If it’s a desktop computer or an all-in-one, then remove the power supply or cord from the wall socket.
Use a microfiber cloth. As we mentioned higher up, when you’re cleaning the keyboard or screen on your laptop, make sure to use a cloth that won’t scratch or leave little bits behind. No paper towels!
Avoid excess cleaner. Whether you’re spraying or pouring on a cloth or even just using wipes, it’s important that you wring out extra liquid. Some wipes are quite dry, but some are dripping wet. It shouldn’t be dripping. You don’t want those drips getting in being your laptop or desktop keyboard and causing trouble.
Dry it off. After wiping your computer’s keyboard and screen, you can usually leave them to air dry, but if you notice excess liquid, you can use a dry microfibre cloth to dry it off.
Keys. Don’t try to remove these or clean underneath as most aren’t removed without breaking the keyboard and often this requires an entirely new keyboard – which for a desktop can be anything from $20 – $100 but for a laptop can be hundreds.
Mouse or Trackpad. If it’s a wired mouse that connects to your Desktop PC, iMac or All-in-One (AIO) then it’s a good idea to unplug it before cleaning. If it’s a wireless mouse, shut it off and remove the batteries.
For a trackpad, make extra sure there isn’t excess liquid dripping off the cloth, as we really don’t want liquid to get in behind the trackpad.

Computer Help NZ at https://chnz.co.nz/

Media Release 11 March 2022.

MIL OSI

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